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November 2006 update on new publications, actions you can take, and more!
Advocates for Youth's e-News Update
This Month
Abstinence-Only Policies Enter the Theater of the Absurd
New Guidelines Target 29-year Old Sexually Active Adults
Washington, DC (October 30, 2006) - In a stunning departure from reality, new guidelines for federal "abstinence-only-until-marriage" programs, under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), have refocused target populations for grants to include unmarried adults up to 29-years-old. According to the (ACF), being "unmarried" makes these adults targets for the long and proselytizing arm of the U.S. government.
"For once in my life, I am utterly speechless," said James Wagoner, President of Advocates for Youth.
To read the guidelines, go to:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2007-ACF-ACYF-AEGP-0143.html#_Toc142296169
Youth Activist Network Updates
Be a Youth Activist Network Intern
Advocates' Communications and Marketing Department has an opening for an intern in the Spring 2007 semester. The internship program is designed to give students a balanced opportunity to conduct research, writing, and grassroots activism and organizing.
As an intern, you will assist the Communications Department in drafting youth organizing tools, planning online training programs, writing action alerts, and more!
Advocates for Youth internships are based in Washington, DC. Interested students should submit a resume and cover letter to caeden@advocatesforyouth.com.
Take Action !
Support Emergency Contraception in Your Community!
The approval of emergency contraception (Plan B®) for nonprescription status was a huge victory for women 18 years and older. But we can't stop there! Every woman deserves access to quality and equitable healthcare - including access to necessary reproductive health care without embarrassment or intimidation. Young women under 18 still face major barriers to accessing accurate information about emergency contraception (EC) and encounter limitations and restrictions to receiving EC when it's most needed.
Advocates for Youth urges you to Take Action! Send a letter to your city or campus newspaper stressing the importance of access to EC for all women and urging health centers and pharmacists to make emergency contraception available in your city and/or on your campus.
Go to the Take Action Center now!
Say What?!
In-flight Drama
American Airlines threatens to divert plane over gay couple's displays of affection
Passengers aboard a recent American Airlines flight complained about a gay couple's displays of affection. Crew members asked the men to stop and threatened to divert the plane. To make matters worse, a review of the incident conducted by American Airlines management found the crew's behavior appropriate and in line with company guidelines!
Read more at:
http://www.washblade.com/2006/9-29/view/actionalert/actionalert.cfm
In The Spotlight
Andrew, 19
Member of Advocates for Youth's International Youth Leadership Council.
I have a passion for advocating for the rights of young people. I think they have the power to unlock their potential - potential that that will help them to shape their own future.
However, some young people need someone to guide them, while others need someone to speak for them or help to speak. This is why I got involved in activism work - because I want to represent young people. I want the world to know that young people are the greatest asset we have towards making this world a better place. I want to see bright smiles on the faces of as many young as I possibly can. I believe that I can help those who are already smiling to continue smiling; and for those who haven't smiled in a while I want to help them to smile again.
Youth activism can be very time-consuming. You've got to take the time to know your facts in order for you to lobby effectively; you have to take time to speak with the people you want to convince so they can believe or accept what you believe. It can be very challenging when some of your friends refuse to support you. "Stiff-necked" policymakers who refuse to hear you out also pose a challenge, but I guess it comes with being an advocate.
Activism is very moving. Hearing them speak about their unfortunate experiences and what they'd really want to see changed brings tears of sadness, but seeing the difference you can make in their lives is rewarding. Just seeing the people I am advocating for happy makes me happy.
I'm a new member of the International Youth Leadership Council (one of only two Jamaicans on the Council). I'm planning a health expo on my university campus (University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (Kingston, Jamaica)) which will look at certain health issues affecting students and staff, especially HIV/AIDS. In addition, I plan to lobby with the Ministers of Education and Youth and the Ministers of Health for comprehensive sexual education within Jamaican High Schools. But first, I'll be spearheading a pilot project in a few high schools to see students' response to the sex education they're currently receiving in school.
Future Plans: I will graduate from the University next November with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Media and Communication, and a minor in Cultural Studies. I want to work in the media as well as in Youth Development, and I intend on continuing my advocacy work. And I might just pursue graduate studies. Who knows?
On The Town
On the Town
HEAR ME Project Annual HIV/AIDS Story Writing Contest
The HEAR ME Project is hosting its 3rd national HIV/AIDS story-writing competition, called YOUR WORLD. YOUR WORDS, for youth ages 14-22. The Honorary Chair is Morgan Freeman, and judges include Spike Lee, Jesse L. Martin, Hilary Duff, Sarah Jones, Jasmine Guy, LeVar Burton, Judy Reyes, Forest Whitaker, and Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott. Last year's winner was announced on MTV News, and the story is now being adapted into a film. This year's winner will receive $2500!!
Deadline is World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2006. Entries can be submitted:
Online:
www.hearmeproject.org
By mail:
HEAR ME Project
375 Greenwich Street, 8th floor
New York, NY 10013
HEAR ME is a 501c3 organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS impacting youth by 1) raising awareness of the issues; 2) encouraging youth to focus on their personal vulnerability to HIV/AIDS; 3) promoting youth to become self-informed and ultimately, 4) changing risk behavior(s) through skills based, peer-influenced intervention emphasizing that it is not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk of HIV/AIDS.
Read All About It
New Publications on Advocates’
Improving U.S. Global HIV Prevention for Youth
In this Policy Brief, Advocates examines the guidelines provided for the implementation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and provides recommendations for more effective approaches to HIV prevention in developing countries.
Click here to read and download the publication.
You can help Advocates for Youth with a contribution today. To donate, visit http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/about/donatetoday.htm
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